The Top 5 Essentials for Men for Fall 2012

You can see the full story and pictures of each item here, but I wanted to get the communities thoughts and/or additions to this list. Certainly nothing ground-breaking but a few key items to consider:

#1: THE TWEED JACKET: A timeless wardrobe workhorse - the sport jacket. Look for classic tweed updated in a fitted and modern silhouette, like this stunning version from Gant by Michael Bastian. $950, available at Gant.

#2: DESERT BOOTS: The "Desert Trooper" is a new, updated version of Clark's classic desert boot. Same iconic leather upper, with a more aggressive, higher stance tread. Wear these confidently with jeans, fitted khaki's, a flannel suit - pretty much anything. $115, available at Clarks.

#3: THE UTILITY TOTE: There's really nothing fancy about this durable, waxed cotton utility tote and that's the point. People will appreciate your practicality. For a long time now I've been admiring the subtle beauty of all things Ernest Alexander. Based in New York City, they produce their entire line in the U.S.A. and are committed to ethical manufacturing. Available in a variety of colors, but you'll get the most out of charcoal. $195, available at Ernest Alexander.

#4: TORTOISE SHELL SUNGLASSES. By now you can probably tell there is a color story going on: gray, tan, rich chocolate - muted earth tones return this fall. These pieces are intended as bridge items - the glue that holds each look together, allowing you get the most out of your closet. Beautiful sunglasses are therefore essential, and here are two favorites in timeless tortoise shell: The Meteor by Ray Ban, $145 & The Harding by Garrett Leight, $310.

#5: A STATEMENT SWEATER. No fall story would be complete without an incredibly comfortable, luxurious sweater. This perfect layer represents all that's good about the fall - staying warm, welcoming cold autumn weekends and enjoying the great outdoors, even if it's just a stroll in a city park. Camel is one of my favorite colors and J.Crew's 100% cashmere, cable knit version is a beauty. $298, available at J.Crew.

I agree that tortoiseshell sunglasses are a "bridge item". Because they sit on the bridge of your nose. What is a "bridge item", apart from a construction intended to permit easy transit over a river or similar landscape feature, otherwise known as a "bridge"?

I am overjoyed that "earth tones have returned this fall". I thought the earth was oddly-coloured recently, not quite its usual shade of dirt. Oh, and it's still summer.Edited by Geezer - 8/8/12 at 3:19pm

I hope never in my life to refer to anything I own as a "statement sweater". If I do and it's something from J. Crew, I encourage any and all of you to shoot me in the face with a bazooka.

Clearly you didn't click the link provided because it's a brown cable-knit sweater. Pretty good looking one at that and definitely nothing from the Cosby Show. Or are you just saying you're above buying J. Crew? The message is lost in the torrent of dramatizing.

Well I suppose I should clarify. I have no objection to the sweater itself, which seems completely inoffensive, nor J Crew as a brand. I have no direct experience, but they appear to produce tasteful items at a reasonable price, which is to be commended.

I object to the term "signature item". A signature is meant to uniquely identify the man. There should be a one-to-one mapping from individuals to signatures. More poetically, a "signature" somehow carries the spirit and personality of an individual. If your personality can be turned into a sweater, or a particular shade of red shoe, or a fanciful sock pattern, then there likely wasn't much there to begin with. If, further, you find your "signature" in something that's made by the thousands if not tens of thousands, you have a very limited view of your own individuality, and your sense of self- worth stands at risk of collapsing entirely when you go to a party and see some other asshole wearing your goddamn signature sweater.